Reminiscent of children’s building blocks and quirky nostalgia, primary colours work together as a perfect trio – and are just as striking on their own. Here are a few VISI favourites to raise your style quotient.

1. Paul Smith Edition Three Type 75 Lamp By Angelpoise R8 300, Newport

2. La Cafetiere 3-cup Classic Espresso Moka Pot R499, Superbalist

3. Fjällräven Re-Kånken Backpack R1 899, Fjällräven

4. Dokter and Misses Retro Light R4 620, Dokter and Misses

5. Smeg Retro 700w Hand Blender R2 699, Woolworths

6. Sugarlump Chest of Drawers R2 879, Popstrukt

7. Berlin Chair in Ochre R2 700, MRP Home

8. Men’s SWATCH Revival Watch R1 109, SWATCH

9. Kitchen Craft Pasta Machine R729,  Yuppiechef

10. Mepal Bento Box R279, Superbalist

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To celebrate 15 years of creative collaboration with The Rug Company, the champion of eclectic British fashion Paul Smith has designed a new collection of hand knotted rugs.

The modern collection pushes his aesthetic into a fresh direction of muted palettes and unregulated pattern composition, while retaining the spirit of his distinctive design tradition. Comprising six rugs and a cushion, the collection is an exciting collision of geometry and colour.

Each rug has been woven entirely by hand using the finest natural yarns and age-honoured weaving techniques for which The Rug Company is renowned.

What surprised you about the translation of your designs into rugs?

What’s extraordinary is the depth of colour that you can get by hand knotting yarn. It almost feels like you can put your hand into the design of the rug. It’s the three-dimensional quality I love.

Is contemporary design compatible with age-old craft?

In today’s world a lot of design is to do with fast fashion. Not just for clothes but also for objects, which means high output and low price. The great thing about The Rug Company is that they value working with people that have real artisanal skills.

How does designing for interiors differ to designing fashion?

Designing for fashion can be pretty quick. If it’s a jacket or a dress you can cut out the pattern and drape it on the stand within an hour. Whereas rugs like these take much longer to develop and so it’s all about being patient. My designs have been a progression of my clothes. My rugs are strong in pattern and form. They fit into today’s interiors adding fun and colour.

Because handmade rugs have a notoriously long life, do you think that this longevity should influence design and colour decisions? Or is it better to design for the moment?

If you were working for a very commercial company you’d probably design things that are much more versatile in terms of the environments they suit. Whereas The Rug Company are very happy to create pieces that last a long time but are very unusual.

What did you enjoy most about the rug design process?

Playing with the yarns in my hands, putting the colours together and building up the pattern. By holding the yarns you can really see the piece develop.

The new Paul Smith collection will be available from The Rug Company showrooms from November 2015. For more information, visit therugcompany.com.

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The international rug brand has opened a new Cape Town showroom on hip Bree Street, showcasing handmade designer contemporary rugs.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is a special place for us, and having the opportunity to spend more time there is a welcome prospect. Cape Town has some savvy customers who appreciate and expect the best in quality, design and craftsmanship. The Rug Company has found a perfect home within the vibrant sensibilities of this dynamic city. Bree Street hums with creativity and our showroom is located in a beautiful building there, the striking architecture a fitting backdrop for our collection of handmade rugs,” says The Rug Company’s CEO and co-founder Christopher Sharp.

Founded in 1997, the Rug Company combines modern design with traditional weaving methods and works with some of the world’s top designers, including Tom Dixon, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

The Rug Company not only sells ready-made pieces, but also custom creates commissioned pieces to suit your space.

For more information, visit therugcompany.com.

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Here are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 70 inspiration, features a beautiful gin distillery, an absurd work onesie and colourful artwork by Vladimir Tretchikoff.

1. Zulu Maiden by Vladimir Tretchikoff

Business Manager Diane Lubbe absolutely loves the colours featured in this famous South African artwork.

Image credit: vladimirtretchikoff.com

2. Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery by Thomas Heatherwick

“Thomas Heatherwick’s latest architectural feat is Bombay Sapphire’s exquisite new gin distillery in England. It’s just spectacular,” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring.

Image credit: Iwan Baan via dezeen.com

3. The Suitsy by Jesse Herzog

Features editor Tracy Greenwood was amused by this hilarious onesie. “Is this what most men have been waiting for?” she asks.

Image credit: betabrand.com

4. Anglepoise® Type75 Table Lamp By Anglepoise® + Paul Smith

Deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes could do with one of these designer beauties in her office right now.

Image credit: anglepoise.com

5. Lean Coffee Table by Sharon Sides for AA13

“Sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” says online and editorial assistant Chantél Hans.

Image source: haa13.fr   

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 70 on picks of the week 296.

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The 58 sqm spot was designed and detailed by co-owner Anthony Keyworth in collaboration with Tonic Design. The interior features colours and shapes inspired by 1980s postmodernism juxtaposed with knackered and exposed brickwork and wood paneling – we love the unusual combination of dusty turqoise with salmon pink. 

Recognised for its careful curation, the essentialist design approach creates a striking backdrop to the cult street fashion items it stocks. Brands include Comme des Garçons PLAY, APC, Laurel Wreath by Fred Perry, Sixpack France and Staple, plus limited edition footwear from Nike, Adidas and Puma.

Loom also offers a selection of accessories including Italian sunglasses by SUPER, Lego-themed notebooks by Moleskine, Denim Wash and Denim Refresh products by Mr Black Garment Essentials, watches by Nixon and Autodromo, Pantone iPhone and iPad cases, limited edition “DRUGS” coffee mugs by American graphic artist Struggle Inc in collaboration with Sixpack France, and fragrances by Comme des Garçons Parfume, Let’er Buck and Six Scents.

Anthony explains: “Loom’s collections speak to discerning men who are in search for mature and sophisticated post-youth fashion, which is subtly influenced by streetwear.” Anthony and his wife Anne are also responsible for bringing Paul Smith to South Africa (see the shop here).

137 Bree Street, Cape Town, 021 424 3899
Shop 22, corner of Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 011 447 4330
www.loomshop.co.za

Read more VISI articles about Loom.

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The new shop is an 1860s Georgian building, the interior and exterior of which has been designed and decorated by Sir Paul. With the eye-catching blue dot painted over both corners, it embodies his “classic with a twist” approach to tailoring and design.

Inside, the design of the shop combines modern and antique styles to create a charming, colourful interior with bold newspaper print wallpaper, antique furniture and fittings, herringbone parquet flooring and bronze features.

Described as a “diffusion” shop, the fashion selection has been adapted to reflect Cape Town’s culture and environment. Emphasis has been placed on everyday wear such as Paul Smith Jeans (for men) and Paul by Paul Smith (for women), as opposed to formalwear such as London line (tailored suits) and Mainline (haute couture) collections, which are available at Paul Smith’s South African flagship shop in Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

A high-visibility site in the Cape Town CBD, the extensive renovation and decoration of the building compliment Cape Town’s inner-city renewal efforts and especially the growing design buzz around Bree Street. We think it’s wonderful that high-end brands are finding value in not being stuck in a mall! 

Currently down, the new Paul Smith billboard on Buitengract Street will go up on 1 January 2013.

Paul Smith, 137 Bree Street (corner Wale Street), Cape Town, www.paulsmith.co.uk, 021 424  0354

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Die sewe seëls, wat deur die poskantoor van die Isle of Man bekend gestel is, weerspieël nie net Paul Smith se passie vir sport nie, maar sal ook ’n herinnering wees van vanjaar se Spele lank nadat die medaljes toegeken is.

Paul Smith het heeltemal toevallig by die modewêreld betrokke geraak. Hy het daaroor gedroom om ’n professionele fietsjaer te word, tot hy op 17-jarige ouderdom in ’n ernstige fietsongeluk was. Ná drie maande in die hospitaal moes hy noodgedwonge sy loopbaanplanne heroorweeg en hy het besluit om iets meer skeppends te probeer. Ná ’n reeks aand- en kleremakersklasse het hy in 1970 ’n piepklein winkeltjie in Nottingham geopen, en in 1976 sy eerste mansversameling bekend gestel.

Vandag is daar 17 Paul Smith-winkels in Brittanje, en die handelsmerk word in meer as 66 lande wêreldwyd verkoop. Hoewel Paul nou al sy energie in modes stort, is hy steeds ’n groot aanhanger van verskeie sportbyeenkomste. “Dit is ’n groot eer om gevra te word om hierdie seëls te ontwerp. Ek het probeer om dit so positief en kleurrykas moontlik te maak met ’n sterk grafiese ontwerpstyl,” sê Paul.

Seëlversamelaars, sportliefhebbers en ontwerpers sal almal ewe opgewonde wees oor die nuwe seëls wat die derde Olimpiese Spele in Londen gedenk.

Ons was in die wolke toe ons ons eie koevert met ’n seël en stempel van die Isle of Man ontvang het. Nou hoop ons net ons kry nog ’n brief uit Brittanje gedurende hierdie wêreldklas byeenkoms…

Meer inligting: www.paulsmith.co.uk,www.london2012.com

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The seven stamps designed to celebrate the 2012 London Olympic Games were presented by the Isle of Man Post Office, they not only capture Paul Smith’s passion for sport but will also serve as a reminder of the 2012 Olympics long after the medals have been awarded.

Paul Smith’s introduction into fashion was accidental; his previous profession of choice was to become a professional racing cyclist until he was involved in a bicycle accident at age 17. After three months in hospital he reviewed his career plans and decided he would rather pursue something creative. After a series of evening classes and tailoring lessons Paul opened a tiny shop in Nottingham in 1970 and by 1976 he showed his first menswear collection.

Today, there are 17 Paul Smith shops in the UK and the brand is sold in 66 countries worldwide.

And although all his energy is now focused on fashion, Paul is still a huge fan of various sporting events. “It’s a real honour to be asked to design these stamps. I’ve tried to make them positive and colourful with a strong graphic style of design,” Paul says.

Stamp collectors, sports fans and design heads will all be equally excited about the new stamps, which serve to commemorate the third Olympic Games held in London.

We were absolutely delighted to receive our own stamp adorned envelope from the Isle of Man Post Office, here’s hoping we get another letter from the UK during the world-class event…

More information: www.paulsmith.co.uk, www.london2012.com

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Since the end of last year, the sleek, curvaceous folds of a rollercoaster have adorned the peak of a park in the south of Duisburg, Germany. The dynamic sweeps and twists of the alien construction inscribe themselves into the scenery like a signature.

From a  distance, the metallic track creates an impression of speed and acceleration. But viewed from close-up it reveals itself to be an elaborately winding stairway, and not an adrenaline-inducing coaster.

Visitors are able to climb this artwork by foot, and traverse its twists and turns at their own pace (although the loop itself is insurmountable). The highest point of the sculpture, some 45 metres above ground level, rewards the visitor with glorious views across the landscape of the Western Ruhr.

Dubbed ‘Tiger and Turtle’, the name refers to the dialectic between speed and deadlock, which has other implications for the Duisberg region as it negotiates an era of change and wholesale restructuring. Though the sculpture conveys an absurd twist in in the otherwise placid landscape, it is nonetheless expected that ‘Tiger and Turtle’ will become a regional landmark, as visitors flock to walk its Escher-esque pathways, and snap photographs of its undulating form silhouetted against the dusk sky.

Standing 21 metres high atop a 44 x 37 metre base, the sculpture (designed by Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genthe  in collaboration with Arnold Walz) is not only one of the largest artworks in Germany, but is also a masterpiece in engineering.

Mutter and Genthe have been collaborating on artistic projects in public spaces for the last eight years. Their works are “site-specifically and contextually developed, and reflect in a manifold way the conditions of publicness.” The duo have been living and working in Hamburg, where Heike Mutter holds professorship at the Hochschule für bildende Künste.

To find out more, visit  www.phaenomedia.org

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The new brand ambassador, UK artist Charming Baker, has been – literally – blowing away the art world and we’re sure he’ll do the same to the fashion industry.

Charming is one of the fastest-rising stars of the UK art world, thanks in large part to his unconventional technique of shooting his art with a gun. Tipped for greatness by the likes of the BBC, the Daily Telegraph and GQ magazine, the off-the-wall artist came into contact with Paul Smith through a mutual friend.

“Charming is a good-looking, friendly, creative guy who we’ve known for some time and we love his artwork,” says Paul Smith. “He fits our clothes perfectly and so we thought this was a perfect association.”

We couldn’t agree more! The oddball artist, who “shot” (excuse the pun) to fame on his own accord is an exceptional pairing for the classic but quirky Paul Smith brand.

“Paul takes things beyond the ordinary,” says Charming. “I love that he is both passionate and unpretentious about the world he helps to shape.”

A charming tale of success

Charming is likewise recognised for veering away from pretention. He was discovered five years ago, working from the bedroom of a South London council flat.

When galleries approached him, he ignored their offers and chose to sell his art independently. “When I left college I was courted by the art establishment but at the time I felt like I didn’t fit in. Operating outside of that world has allowed me to develop into what I am now.”

After his discovery in South London, Charming was persuaded to hold a pop-up show which sold out on the opening night. Since then he has had successful shows in London, Los Angeles and New York.

Achieving all of this without gallery representation, the father of five will no doubt add his unique brand of risk-taking attitude to the tailored gentlemen’s suiting, shirting and formalwear that Paul Smith is so well known for.

More information: www.paulsmith.co.uk, http://charmingbaker.com

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